Thor cake

Chewy, oaty and with gingery depths, Thor cake is an autumnal favourite that’s traditionally served on Bonfire Night, and only Bonfire Night!

Thor cake

It’s thought it originated in Derbyshire, and you might also see it called Thar, Tharf or Tharve Cake. Whatever you call it, it’s a plateful of treacly deliciousness.

  • Serves icon N/A
  • Time icon Hands on time 10 mins, plus 25 mins baking time

Chewy, oaty and with gingery depths, Thor cake is an autumnal favourite that’s traditionally served on Bonfire Night, and only Bonfire Night!

It’s thought it originated in Derbyshire, and you might also see it called Thar, Tharf or Tharve Cake. Whatever you call it, it’s a plateful of treacly deliciousness.

Nutrition: per serving

Calories
297kcals
Fat
12g (6.8g saturated)
Protein
3.6g
Carbohydrates
43.7g (22.3g sugars)
Fibre
2.5g
Salt
0.2g

Ingredients

  • 200g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
  • 125g black treacle
  • 100g clear honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla paste (we like Taylor and Colledge, from Waitrose and Ocado)
  • 250g oatmeal
  • 250g plain flour
  • 150g demerara sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 100g candied peel, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
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Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4. Grease and line a 23cm x 23cm square brownie tin with baking paper. In a small pan, gently melt the butter, treacle, honey and vanilla paste over a medium heat, stirring to combine, then set aside to cool a little.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the remaining ingredients and add a pinch of salt. Pour in the treacle mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Transfer to the prepared tin, spreading the mixture evenly, then bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven, then leave to cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares to serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition: per serving
Calories
297kcals
Fat
12g (6.8g saturated)
Protein
3.6g
Carbohydrates
43.7g (22.3g sugars)
Fibre
2.5g
Salt
0.2g

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  1. […] I’ll leave that dilemma up to you. Other variations of parkin include the Derbyshire “Thor Cake” and Lancashire’s “Tharf Cake”. Irrelevant of where in the North […]

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